Introduction
to Riparian Buffers ~
Why bother with a buffer?
How big should it be? One size doesn't fit all. It
depends on what you want the buffer to do. Protect
water quality? Welcome wildlife? Stabilize an
eroding bank? Explains the benefits of riparian
buffers and how to find the right width for your
property.

...

Backyard
Buffers ~
Create an appealing
riverfront garden while eliminating time-consuming
lawn care. Provide your home landscape with beauty,
privacy, and watchable wildlife. Gives guidance
on what to do even if you have a lawn to the
water's edge. Covers access to the water, caring
for a buffer, and benefits of native
plants.

...

Forestland
Buffers
~Forests are still
the best possible cover for the rivers running
through them. Provides illustration of forest
management for wooded buffers, special features
with habitat value, and how to plan a harvest with
buffers in mind.

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Buffers
for Habitat
~More species of wildlife
use the delicate edge between and land and water
than any other habitat. This is an area in high
demand, however: trout, herons, and turtles face
stiff competition from bulldozers, Holsteins, and
chainsaws. Explains the benefits of buffers to
life in the water and on the land, and shows how to
create and manage buffers for habitat. Notes
general minimum buffer widths for different kinds
of wildlife.

...

Buffers
for Agricultural Land ~
Future-thinking farmers
look for ways to leave the land in better shape
each year. It makes economic sense to keep
nutrients and soil where they belong: on the farm,
not in the water. Illustrates a range of buffers
and their management: bare-bones, the better
buffer, and the best buffer for farmland. Discusses
costs and benefits, flood chutes, and
livestock.

Guidance
for Communities ~
Our most fertile soils, most
valuable fish and wildlife habitat, and most
expensive real estate are found along rivers and
streams: a situation which begs for sensible town
policy. Discusses economic, social, and
biological services performed by riparian buffers,
and ways communities can incorporate both
regulatory and non-regulatory protection. Includes
ideas for master plan, zoning ordinance, and
subdivision regulations, and information on current
state-level protection.

Urban
Buffers ~
Citiesand towns all over
America are recapturing their river fronts. Such a
natural amenity is a key to economic growth and
quality of life. Provides advice on restoring
lost buffers, enhancing those remaining, disguising
buffers as community parks, planning
forrecreation, and
dealing with stormwater.

Field
Assessment ~
Is there a riparian buffer
already on duty? Is it adequate for the job? A
field sheet to help a landowner look at a riverbank
with buffers in mind. Provides a list of
considerations to help the landowner decide where
and what kind of buffer might be
needed.

Planting
Riparian Buffers ~
How do you turn a bare
riverbank into a buffer that works for clean water,
stable banks, fish habitat, birds, and wildlife?
How to establish a riparian buffer: plant
selection, sources of material, economically
valuable plants, plants for problem visitors such
as deer and beaver; invasives to avoid.

Sources
of Assistance ~
Because riparian buffers
benefit rivers, their inhabitants, and their
neighbors in so many ways, many experts and
programs are ready to help a landowner who wants to
add or improve a riparian buffer. Description of
programs providing funds for buffer installation
and for land conservation. Contact information for
agencies offering technical assistance and advice
to NH & VT landowners and
communities.

Call 603-826-4800 for more
information or to order printed versions of these fact
sheets (free of charge; small fee covers postage and
handling.)